DOH sends 14 doctors to E. Visayas for Doctors to the Barrios program

Facade of the DOH main office in Manila. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas has deployed 14 new doctors under its Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB) program to boost medical care in the region’s rural areas.

The deployment aims to reinforce rural health units (RHUs) in municipalities with limited or no access to licensed physicians. The DOH had set a benchmark of having at least one doctor for every 20,000 people.

“These doctors are being sent to some of the most underserved and geographically isolated areas in the region,” said DOH-8 information officer Jelyn Malibago.

“Many LGUs still fall short of the ideal ratio of one doctor per 20,000 residents. Through this program, we are working to bridge that gap and bring essential health services closer to the people,” she added.

The newly assigned doctors were deployed beginning last week to Liloan and Anahawan in Southern Leyte; Palompon, Palo, Calubian, Mahaplag, Burauen, Bato, and Babatngon in Leyte; Naval in Biliran; Motiong and Matuguinao in Samar; Arteche in Eastern Samar; and Silvino Lobos in Northern Samar.

For the next three years, the doctors will provide primary healthcare services, including consultations, immunizations, maternal and child care, health education, and emergency care. They will also play a key role in mentoring local health workers, participating in community health planning, and contributing to the development of stronger local health systems.

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The DTTB program, launched in 1993, remains one of the DOH’s most effective initiatives in responding to the shortage of healthcare professionals in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas of the country.

While the DOH pays the salaries of the deployed doctors, local government units (LGUs) are required to provide honoraria and lodging and ensure the safety and well-being of the assigned physicians.

Malibago noted that although their contracts are typically for three years, the DOH encourages LGUs to offer permanent positions to the doctors after their tour of duty under the program ends.

“We’ve recommended to the LGUs to either extend the contracts of these doctors or absorb them into permanent roles. This ensures continuity and strengthens healthcare delivery in the long term,” she explained. /jpv